This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful mix that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you want a light but satisfying meal. It’s packed with tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and herb dressing.
I love making this salad because it comes together quickly and feels like a little Mediterranean getaway on a plate. The flavors blend so well — the salty feta and olives play nicely against the bright lemon dressing, and the chicken adds just the right amount of protein to keep things hearty. I always find myself reaching for seconds.
For serving, I like to chill it for a bit in the fridge before eating; it tastes even better cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weekday lunch. Plus, it’s great to make ahead, so you can have a delicious meal ready without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds the dressing and ingredients well. You can swap rotini with fusilli, penne, or even farfalle if you prefer. Just pick a type that can catch the dressing nicely.
Chicken Breast: Boneless skinless chicken is tender and easy to cut into pieces. Grilled or pan-seared works great. For a quicker option, leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used.
Feta Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a tangy, salty flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan feta or omit entirely and add extra olives for briny taste.
Kalamata Olives: They bring a rich, salty punch essential to Mediterranean flavor. If unavailable, you can use black olives, but flavor will be milder.
Cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes: These fresh veggies add crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap cucumber for zucchini or add bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
How Can You Make Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time?
Cooking chicken breast perfectly can be tricky; it can dry out if overcooked. Here’s how to get tender pieces:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and oregano for flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, ensuring the oil is hot before adding chicken.
- Cook chicken undisturbed for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Don’t rush flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer if possible — chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
This method gives juicy, flavorful pieces that blend wonderfully with the salad ingredients.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta until al dente, easy to drain and rinse.
- Skillet – to cook the chicken breasts evenly and keep them juicy.
- Chef’s knife & cutting board – for chopping vegetables, herbs, and cooked chicken.
- Mixing bowl – to toss all ingredients and coat with dressing.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the dressing ingredients until combined.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use grilled shrimp or lamb instead of chicken for different proteins.
- Add chopped kalamata or green olives for a more intense briny flavor.
- Replace feta with sun-dried tomato cheese or goat cheese for a different tang.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra veggies and richness.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking chicken)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking the pasta and chicken. Add another 30 minutes for refrigerating so the flavors can blend nicely before eating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and chopped parsley.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Toss and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently so everything is evenly coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Serve:
Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature as a delicious main dish or side on a sunny day!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to get a nice sear.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but the veggies may get a bit softer.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! Any bite-sized pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well since they hold the dressing nicely.
Is It Okay to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely. Make it a few hours or even a day ahead and refrigerate to allow the flavors to marry. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
